Consumption of fast foods and baked goods doubles risk of depression

Researchers conducting the study found that risk of depression could be predicted in a dose-dependent manner. Lead study author, Dr. Almudena Sanchez-Villegas commented "the more fast food you consume, the greater the risk of depression." The study found that those participants eating the largest amount of fast food and commercially baked goods are more likely to be single, physically inactive and generally exhibit poor dietary habits. Typically these individuals consumed less fruit, nuts, fish, vegetables, and olive oil, and were more likely to smoke or work more than 45 hours per week.

High consumption of commercially baked goods or fried foods subjected to the oil degradation process known as hydrogenation results in trans-fats that have been shown to dramatically increase heart disease risk in past studies. This current research demonstrates that these misshapen and synthetically processed trans-fats interfere with the proper function of chemical neurotransmitters in the brain and alter normal electrical activity necessary for intercellular signaling.

Depression among children and adults is expanding at an alarming rate, with 121 million people diagnosed worldwide. Antidepressants prescribed to manage depression are largely ineffective and only work to mask the underlying cause of the illness. A wealth of scientific evidence now points to proper nutrition as an effective tool to halt and even reverse depressive episodes. The study team advised against a diet including baked or fried foods, and emphasized the need for whole, natural foods containing plenty of B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and fresh pressed virgin olive oil to significantly lower risk of depression.

Sources for this article include:
http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=8480071 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120330081352.htm http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/243624.php http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/fast_food_intake_associated_with_risk_for_depression/

About the author: John Phillip is a Health Researcher and Author who writes regularly on the cutting edge use of diet, lifestyle modifications and targeted supplementation to enhance and improve the quality and length of life. John is the author of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan', a comprehensive EBook explaining how to use Diet, Exercise, Mind and Targeted Supplementation to achieve your weight loss goal. Visit My Optimal Health Resource to continue reading the latest health news updates, and to download your Free 48 page copy of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan'.
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/035772_fast_food_depression_nutrition.html#ixzz1u17esmcQ

I'm not surprised at all.  Fast food is really the worst thing you can eat and it causes all kinds of health issues.  Thanks for the info =)

You're welcome.  : )

 Thanks, good info, I heard of it on the new about a month ago, and is all true, junk food can get to you, is bad in all aspects... Thanks for sharing